About This Role
Location: Lewisham
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: 7am to 3pm;Term time plus 4 weeks (including 1 week INSET)
Grade: PO1 Inner London
About Drumbeat School
Drumbeat School is a sector‑leading specialist provision for children and young people aged 4–19 diagnosed with Autism. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where every pupil can thrive.
As a multi‑site service with complex operational demands, we place high value on professional, well‑structured systems that enable staff and pupils to succeed.
About the role
We are seeking an experienced and highly organised HR & Cover Manager to lead the school’s HR function and coordinate daily staff cover arrangements. This is a key operational role with responsibility for providing professional HR advice to senior leaders and governors, ensuring compliance with employment legislation, safeguarding and data protection, and maintaining staffing continuity each day.
The role includes responsibility for coordinating morning cover arrangements for teaching assistants only. The postholder will initially work alongside an Assistant Headteacher to learn the school’s cover model before taking full responsibility.
Key Responsibilities
Human Resources Lead and manage all core HR activity, including employee relations, absence management and performance processes. Provide professional HR advice to the Executive Headteacher, Senior Leadership Team and Governors. Manage HR casework in line with legislation, school policies and Local Authority guidance. Coordinate Occupational Health referrals and associated follow‑up. Manage end‑to‑end recruitment processes in line with DfE Safer Recruitment requirements. Ensure all pre‑employment checks are completed accurately for staff, agency workers and volunteers. Maintain accurate staffing records and compliance documentation. Organise and coordinate daily teaching assistant cover arrangements, primarily during the morning. Work closely with leaders to prioritise pupil safety, EHCP needs and operational continuity. Liaise with staff and supply agencies where required, maintaining clear and professional communication. Maintain the Single Central Record and ensure it is audit‑ready at all times. Act as the school’s operational lead for GDPR, including Subject Access Requests. Ensure staff data on Arbor is accurate and supports statutory returns and workforce reporting. Drumbeat School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS check. Your health and wellbeing are important to us. Our benefits package includes, but is not limited to: £110 towards new glasses, annually £110 towards routine dental treatment, annually £200 towards complementary therapies such as physiotherapy, osteopathy and chiropractic adjustments, annually £100 towards alternative therapies such as reflexology, homeopathy and Indian head massage, annually Up to 8 face‑to‑face counselling sessions per year 24/7 Employee Support Service Discounted gym membership Access to a virtual GP Benefits available for up to four dependent children We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.Recruitment and Safeguarding
Cover Coordination
Compliance and Systems
Safeguarding
Benefits